There’s a special kind of magic in a meal that’s both incredibly simple and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor. This Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is the epitome of that magic. Sweet, jammy tomatoes burst in a hot pan with fragrant garlic and olive oil to create a luscious, no-fuss sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta. It’s the perfect ode to summer, a go-to weeknight dinner, and proof that you only need a few quality ingredients to create something truly spectacular.
Why You’ll Love This
- Incredibly Fast: This entire dish comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta, making it a true 20-minute meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
- Packed with Flavor: Cooking the cherry tomatoes until they burst releases their natural sweetness, creating a sauce that’s both light and intensely flavorful.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, baby spinach, or a pinch of chili flakes to make it your own.
- Light yet Satisfying: It’s a hearty and comforting meal that won’t weigh you down, perfect for any season.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your favorite long pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 pints (about 4 cups) of cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, thinly sliced.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup, plus more for serving.
- Fresh Basil: 1 large handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or chopped.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated, plus more for serving.
- Salt: Coarse sea salt or kosher salt, to taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon for a gentle kick of heat.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or pan
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Start the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
- Burst the Tomatoes: Add the whole cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. The tomatoes will begin to soften, wrinkle, and burst, releasing their delicious juices into the pan. You can gently press on some of them with the back of a spoon to help create the sauce.
- Combine: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to start.
- Emulsify and Finish: Toss everything together vigorously over medium heat. The starchy pasta water will help the sauce emulsify and cling beautifully to the pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Freshness: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss one last time to combine everything.
- Serve: Divide the pasta among serving bowls. Top with an extra drizzle of olive oil, more freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a few fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This is the secret ingredient! The salty, starchy water is essential for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that doesn’t just sit on top of the pasta but coats it perfectly.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe has so few components, their quality really shines through. Use a good extra virgin olive oil and the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic will make the entire dish bitter. Cook it gently over medium heat just until it’s fragrant and barely golden.
- Protein Power-Up: For a heartier meal, add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken breast, or a can of drained chickpeas to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to wilt in a large handful of baby spinach or arugula at the very end, or add sautéed zucchini or mushrooms to the sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil. This will help loosen the sauce and bring the dish back to life without drying it out. Gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
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Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish made with sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil—perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release juices.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the tomato mixture. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, mixing until well combined.
8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
Use a mix of colored cherry tomatoes for extra visual appeal and flavor depth.
You can add sautéed shrimp, chicken, or white beans for extra protein.
Great served warm or at room temperature as a pasta salad variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian